Recent studies have shown that — despite a massive recession — both the music and movie industries are having fantastic years. However, both industries are complaining about how they’re being “killed” by “piracy.” There’s no evidence of this of course, but when it comes to copyright, politicians don’t seem to believe evidence is necessary. They just spring into action. So, just as a bunch of Federal government representatives sat down for a private meeting with entertainment industry bosses, Congress agreed to earmark another $30 million to propping up their obsolete business models fighting “piracy.” It’s a nice deal. Copyright infringement should, by any honest definition of the term, be a civil issue, taken up between private parties. There is a criminal component to copyright law, but it makes little sense. However, now the Justice Department and other local officials have a pool of cash so that they can be the entertainment industry’s police force and private prosecutors.
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